A SCHOOLS minister refused to say whether there would be extra cash for specialist education for children with complex disabilities.

It came on a visit to North Swindon beacon school Red Oaks Primary School, where deaf youngsters learn alongside hearing children in mainstream classes.

Nick Gibb, schools minister, heard from teachers and toured classrooms, meeting Oscar-winning deaf girl Maisie Sly.

Asked whether there would be more cash for schools like Red Oaks in the next Budget, Mr Gibb said: “You’re asking me to go way beyond my paygrade.”

The government has faced criticism this year from campaign group the National Deaf Children’s Society. They said a third of councils plan further cuts to support for deaf children and have called for government to ensure funding for deaf children keeps up with demand.

Swindon Borough Council is not one of those where funding has been cut, although the team responsible are being asked to support a wider range of ages with no extra resource, the Advertiser understands.

Responding to the NDCS criticism, Mr Gibb said the government was spending record amounts on special needs education, up to £6bn this year.

““Of course all schools are facing increased costs and of course with the advances in medical science children have increasingly complex needs that schools need to cater for. We keep these issues under review the whole time,” he said.

“We’re coming up to another spending review period. It’s a matter of the government taking a balanced approach to public spending. We have to make sure we take a balanced approach. We have to make sure we keep the deficit under control. We have to make sure we have a strong economy. But at the same time we need to make sure we are funding essential services like schools.”

Mr Gibb praised staff at Red Oaks. He said he had enjoyed meeting disabled lad Harry, 10, who had spoken about going on a residential trip to a PGL centre. “Did you enjoy the food,” Mr Gibb asked. “Yes,” wheelchair-bound Harry replied. “Spaghetti Hoops.”

Justin Tomlinson, the North Swindon MP who invited the minister to Red Oaks, said: “As the former minister for disabled people, I’m incredibly proud that Swindon has led the way in making sure that all children with hearing impairments have the opportunity to fulfill their potential.”

Rachel Surch, headteacher at Red Oaks since 2013, said the school’s reputation was built upon its ability to include disabled pupils in mainstream classes.

“I think it’s because of of our inclusion not just of deaf children and children with complex needs,” she said when asked why the school had such a strong reputation.

“It’s always been about inclusion. Visitors do say it’s got a nice vibe.”

There are over 500 children at Red Oaks, which was built in 2006.